This first weekend following the start of the New Year is the weekend that I gather up all the Christmas decor and get it stored away again. Not a small feat, as there are not merely a few ornaments here and there.

I enjoy transforming my house for the holidays from ordinary to Magical. Everyday mugs, glasses and dishes, sugar bowl and creamer, cookie jar and dishtowels were all replaced in early December with their holiday counterparts and now must all be gathered cleaned and returned to their boxes. Even knick-knacks and wall decor must be switched out.

If you're wondering where all the ordinary items went to during this holiday bonanza, they will all emerge from the Christmas storage boxes - their temporary home while the holiday decor was in use.

I love this process of tranformation. The holidays are that much more special when items that stay out of sight suddenly emerge to create magic. And, as my customary items re-emerge, I get to look at them with new eyes. Some, I am happy to have back in place; others, I realize are no longer needed or wanted and they get passed on for others to enjoy.